Palladium Books® Weekly Update – October 27, 2011

By Kevin Siembieda

Okay, things are really starting to pop at Palladium Books, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet.

Bad news first. Online sales have been lousy. Compared to most past years, sales are down by about 30%, and that’s with Christmas Surprise Packages. Are we worried about this? Yes, we have to be.

If sales stay flat . . . well, it won’t be good. A lot of people are hurting, which is one reason we do the Christmas Surprise Packages in the first place, and why I’ve been loading them up. While we are worried, we saw a similar pattern last year and we are confident that once new product and old favorites start coming into stock, Palladium will see a dramatic sales increase. At least that’s the plan and it starts right now – today. Read on.

NEW! Palladium® Bookmarks are available now. They arrived in the warehouse on Tuesday and look awesome. Even though half the people around the Palladium offices had a lukewarm reaction when I first mentioned the idea of bookmarks, “Um, I guess that’s cool.” But EVERYONE who has actually seen the bookmarks loves them and wants a set. Funny. I gave a set to artist Chuck Walton when he came in yesterday, and 15 minutes later he was using them. We were discussing and approving artwork for the Rifts®: Path of the Storm™ project (November release). Suddenly, it was one of those, “What can I use to mark this reference page? Oh, wait, I’ll use one of my booksmarks.” It made us all laugh. A set of four is only five bucks and fun. You get a bookmark for Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy®, Dead Reign™, and Heroes Unlimited™.

BACK IN STOCK! Dead Reign™ T-shirts are available now. The same printer who always does them printed these shirts, so they look great. All sizes available. Usual price $18.95 for Small to X-Large, more for the larger shirts. This shirt is scary, ironic and funny all at the same time. Order yours today. And a set of bookmarks too. ;)

NEW! Coalition Christmas™ T-shirt is available now. The shirt finishes printing today and will be available to ship tomorrow, Friday, October 28. This is a fan favorite back for the first time in 10 years. And at a special, low holiday price. We’ll be snagging our shirts immediately. What about you? As far as I’m concerned, EVERY Rifts® gamer needs this shirt. Ho, ho, ho. :)

COMING SOON back in print, the Property of the Coalition States™ T-shirt. This is another popular T-shirt that’s coming back in print in a few weeks. Black print on grey T-shirt. Nice. Sizes Small to 5XL.

COMING SOON, a special print we think you’ll get a big kick out of. More about it in the next Weekly Update. (Aren’t I just a terrible tease?)

UPDATE: Robotech® New Generation™ Sourcebook in final production! Approvals for artwork have started to come in from Harmony Gold! The rest of the art and text should follow. The folks at H.G. tell us they plan to get us all approvals and changes by next week. As soon as we have them the book gets laid out and sent to the printer! November release, here we come!!! Keep those pre-orders rolling in.

UPDATE: Robotech® Genesis Pits™ Sourcebook. The writing continues to move along nicely. See the description elsewhere in this Weekly Update. It is scheduled for a January release (pending approval from the Licensor) and is shaping up to be another epic sourcebook. 8½ x 11 size. 96 pages.

UPDATE: Rifts® Lemuria. Other projects continue to limit my time on this book, but I’m fired up on it, have cleared my schedule and am working away.

UPDATE: Dead Reign™ Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead. The art has all been assigned and is in the process of being finished. The cover should be in by Monday or Tuesday. The writing is moving along. Great stuff. This book is on track for a November release.

UPDATE Rifts® Path of the Storm – One writer’s vision for the Rifts® Movie. This book is just about ready for layout and printing. It is in final edit. Chuck Walton was in yesterday to get approval on sketches for the interior artwork and to hammer out the layout for the movie poster style cover. It all looked great. As I said last week, think of this title as your glimpse into the process of making the Rifts® Movie. A book that gives you one proposed movie script written for Rifts® on speculation, plus some of my experiences with Hollywood, some concept art for this script and RPG stats for key characters featured in the script. Furthermore, the story can be used as a template for your own adventure and it is a fun read or I would not be publishing it. Those of you who keep asking for new novels will love this book. See the description elsewhere for complete details. A November release. (Yes, this is one of the things we’ve been working on behind the scenes.)

UPDATE: Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook. When I’m done with Rifts® Lemuria, I plan on completing this and Dead Reign™ Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead, followed by Rifts® Megaverse® in Flames™. I want all these books out before Christmas.

UPDATE: Back in print – soon. There are several books that need to be reprinted, but these are coming soon.

Palladium Fantasy®: Wolfen Empire™ – coming back in print.

Rifts® World Book 25: China 2 – coming back in print.

Heroes Unlimited™: Mutant Underground™ – coming back in print.

Rifts® Chaos Earth™: Rise of Magic – coming back in print.

And others!

UPDATE: Game Master Support Kits should be available next week. Hmmm, I know we said that last Weekly Update, but they are taking a little longer than we thought to make them the valuable resource and tools we want them to be. Fear not, the Rifts® G.M. Support Kit is almost ready and the Palladium Fantasy® Support Kit will quickly follow. The end result should give Game Masters a nice, solid resource to draw upon to run games on the fly and help in the running of demos, as well as personal campaigns. The Game Master Support Kits will be made available for free to Megaversal Ambassadors and sold on DriveThruRPG.com for a small fee. We’ll let you know when these items are available.

UPDATE: DriveThruRPG.com. We’ll be posting G.M. Support Kits as well as sneak previews for Rifts® Lemuria, Vampires Sourcebook, and Endless Dead™ on DriveThruRPG.com as soon as we can.

Don’t forget, DriveThruRPG offers more than 90 out of print titles (and a few that are not) as PDF downloads. It is a good resource for getting The Rifter® #1-48 and to fill in your RPG library with first edition copies of Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy®, Heroes Unlimited™, and other game lines, as well as books such as Nightbane® Book Four: Shadows of Light™ and both versions of the The Mechanoids® RPG (1985) and The Collected Mechanoid Invasion® Trilogy (1981-1983).

UPDATE: Christmas Surprise Package. This is the deal of the holiday season. Nobody can touch the Palladium “Christmas” Surprise Package – $80-$90 worth of product, sometimes more (I have been loading up Surprise Packages with $90-$100 worth of product!!) for only $38 plus shipping and handling. All items are handpicked from your “wish list” and if you want them, all books are autographed by available Palladium staff and any freelancers who walk through our door. Get signed books, prints, original artwork, T-shirts and other Palladium goodies.

This is a great way to get holiday gifts for your gaming buddies and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions, or to fill holes in your own collection, get back issues of The Rifter®, or to try new game settings. Ask for autographs and we’ll sign every book in your Surprise Package. We ship every day or two (every day as we get closer to the holidays). Take advantage of this wonderful offer.

Nick Bradshaw donates artwork for Christmas Surprise Packages. Artist Nick Bradshaw is sending Palladium some original art for the Christmas Surprise Packages. Chuck Walton said he’ll try to dig up and donate some preliminary sketches for them too. Note: ALL artwork offered in the Christmas Surprise Packages is donated by the Palladium artists to make your holidays more special. This is artwork they could hold onto and sell at conventions, but they offer it up for you. I mention this only because I want you to know that gifts of artwork come from the artists themselves. Only people who specifically ask for original artwork (or prints) will be considered. Only about one in ten requests get artwork, so please include other items you also want and know are in print.

UPDATE: Palladium Open House, May 4-6, 2012. If Christmas is only 58 days away, then the POH is coming up fast. Order your tickets now and start saving to come on over and be part of this truly unique and special gaming event. I mean, you get to meet dozens of Palladium creators, chat, get autographs and game with the very people who made the RPGs you love! And it’s all role-playing games all weekend. I want to make this the biggest POH blowout ever and see a record number of gamers in attendance. See the description of the event toward the end of this Weekly Update. Join the fun.

UPDATE: Kevin’s Online Toy & Collectibles Store. A lot more toys and action figures have been posted. I have Alex put up more Palladium collectibles, art prints, artwork and out of print books (signed) once a week or so, usually toward the weekends. Most of the toys are at low to blowout prices. The “Palladium Collectibles” are out of my personal collection, and I’m almost out of many, so this may be your last chance to get some of these items, especially old books and limited edition prints and artwork. We’ll keep adding toys every day or two and Palladium Collectibles at least once a week.

Halloween Store – QueenofGhouls.com – Halloween is almost here, but Kathy Simmons sells life-sized Halloween props as well as some Christmas items all year long. All are realistic, durable, suitable for all weather conditions, fun and funny. As good as they look in the photos, they are so much better in person. Her Ebay store currently offers a variety of zombies, clowns, a sinister circus ringmaster, wizard, Santa Claus and much more. Kathy’s life-sized Halloween props are unlike anything you have ever seen (unless you’ve been to the Palladium Open House). If you are looking for a standout Halloween item for your front lawn, one of these will do the trick. Easy to set up, wet weather is no problem. Folds up for storage. WARNING: Once you see one of Kathy’s ghouls in person and get rants and raves from everyone who visits your home on Halloween, you may find yourself buying a new one every year. QueenofGhouls.com

Kathy’s Home Display is more amazing than ever with more than 90 figures set up in a variety of scenes, including zombies everywhere, Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones in a pirate scene complete with treasure chests and skeleton pirates, Charlie Sheen, ghouls and vampires playing cards, Frankenstein’s Monster, a new mad doctor complete with laboratory and body chop shop, a slug monster, bug monster, lizard monster and more. Even a Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin scene.

In addition to the throngs of people who come by every day (an estimated 200-250 a day on the weekends), Kathy had her Halloween display videotaped for a contest hosted by the local cable provider. Cool. She’s won first place two years in a row now and is shooting for three. Good luck, Kathy.

Alright, it’s time for me to get back to work. You wanted new product, and you’ve got them. Order and enjoy. New books (3-4 of them) are coming soon.

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Writer & Surrogate Santa

Fan Comments from Christmas Grab Bags

During the holiday season, we like to let you see some of the many comments we get with the Christmas Surprise Packages. It’s a nice way to acknowledge some of our fans and to share with you the kinds of words we hear from gamers throughout the season. We show only initials as some people would rather keep their identity private. Our thanks for your kind words of appreciation and encouragement. Keep those imaginations burning bright, game on and find joy this holiday season. – Kevin Siembieda

B.G. in West Babylon, New York, writes: Thank you for years of entertainment and enjoyment. Our imaginations are the engines of our adventures and your ideas have provided NITRO-FUEL for those engines. Merry Christmas!

T.W. in Oakdale, California, writes: I always love getting the Grab Bag. I just started playing last year and I ordered 3. I am now up to 25 books! I am super-excited to be getting my first of this year. We have a great group out here in California central valley that loves Palladium! I’m sure you will be seeing a few orders from this neck of the woods. Thanks a lot!

E.M.M. in Elmwood Park, Illinois, writes: This is my fourth or fifth year purchasing the Palladium Gab Bag. I’d like to thank you for this unique opportunity. It always makes my year.

B.W. in Perryville, Missouri, writes: Huge fan of the Palladium system. Only problem is trying to break friends away from D&D and bring them over to the Palladium side. Been wanting to really play Dead Reign™. I’m a die-hard fan of the zombie movies and shows, been so ever since I was 8 years old and sneaked out of my room to watch the original Night of the Living Dead. Keep up the great work.

D.C. in Cabot, Arizona, writes: Thank you guys for putting out great games. Rifts® was my first and is my favorite game. Looking forward to open up my Surprise Package when I get back from the Middle East. Go Air Force.

C.B. in Flagstaff, Arizona, writes: Your games are the most imaginative that I’ve ever played, and I appreciate that.

J.L. in Yucaipa, California, writes: Thanks to everyone at Palladium for having this offer. I’m sad to say this is the only way I’m able to get Palladium products. I’ve ordered Grab Bags for many years now. With so many great products and more coming out, I’ll always have room to ask for more. I only wish I could support this terrific company better by purchasing more often . . . Long live Palladium Books! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

A Coalition Christmas T-Shirt

– At special holiday prices – Available now

Kevin wanted to make this shirt was so affordable that anyone could buy this playful T-Shirt depicting a Coalition Dog Pack man-handling Santa. (He is a magic user, after all.) Scattered on the floor from Santa’s bag of presents are action figures of a Skelebot, Glitter Boy, Erin Tarn, Emperor Prosek, Victor Lazlo, Mechanoids, a Dog Boy plush toy, Spider-Skull Walker, RPG books and other items. The words: “Merry Christmas from the Coalition States,” perfect.

This T-Shirt has been a fan fave requested for years, but the art for the shirt was lost. The T-shirt place had gone out of business, artist Scott Johnson had sold the original art at a convention and did not have a photocopy, and Palladium’s original design and photocopies had vanished. It was only recently that Publisher Kevin Siembieda found a photocopy tucked away where it didn’t belong in the Palladium archives. The rediscovery of the photostat has allowed us to reissue this beloved T-shirt in all sizes for the first time in a decade.

As noted earlier, Kevin thought this joyful shirt should be made available for the holidays at prices affordable for everyone. These prices are good from now through New Year’s Eve. Order yours today.

Description: To distinguish this T-shirt from the original, which was printed black on a white shirt, this new edition is printed black on an attractive sand colored shirt.

Availability: Sold on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Supplies are limited, especially in the smallest and largest sizes (3XL and larger).

Ship Date: Tomorrow, October 28. Taking orders right now.

Note: Yes, you can “ask” for this awesome shirt in your Christmas Surprise Package, but if you get one it has a $20 value when included as part of a Surprise Package regardless of size and price in the Palladium Online Store.

Dead Reign™ T-Shirt

– The Zombie Apocalypse – Available now

The ultimate Zombie Apocalypse T-shirt: The front depicts a woman armed with a shovel standing on the roof of her car as a massive horde of zombies swarm around her. The front of the shirt reads: "Ever have one of those days?" Below the art is the Dead Reign™ logo and the words “The Zombie Apocalypse.” Printed white on a black T-shirt. Art by Amy Ashbaugh.

The back of the shirt is red on black and says, "Relax, it's not like it's the end of the world or anything." - but most of that statement has lines crossing it out leaving only the words “it's the end of the world.” Under it is a Nick Bradshaw zombie silhouette and a small version of the Dead Reign™ logo. Funny, poignant, awesome!

Description: See above. Palladium's usual, quality 50/50 blend T-shirt and printing. White on black on the front, red on black on the back.

Catalog Number: 2531

Availability: Available now. All sizes available from Smallest to 5X Large.

Note: Yes, you can “ask” for this shirt in your Christmas Surprise Package, but if you get one it has the full price listed above. Inclusion in Surprise Packages will be very limited, so do not be disappointed if you do not get this shirt in a Grab Bag.

Coming Soon – Property of the Coalition States™ T-Shirt

We plan to reprint this T-shirt as soon as our cash-flow improves, probably in a couple weeks. It has the symbol of the Coalition Army and the words, “Property of the Coalition States” emblazoned on it.

Note: Yes, you can “ask” for this shirt in your Christmas Surprise Package, but if you get one it has the full price listed above. Inclusion in Surprise Packages will be very limited, so do not be disappointed if you do not get this shirt in a Grab Bag.

Don’t forget there is also a fabulous Property of the Coalition States™ coffee mug; white image on black cup. Perfect for that hot cup of cocoa on a cold winter’s night, or soda when you game. Looks very official. Everyone at Palladium has one. Holds 15.5 ounces. Mircrowave safe. Cat. No. 2543. Other coffee mugs include Rifts®, Dead Reign™ and Gamer mugs. See the Palladium Books online store for complete details.

NEW! Palladium Bookmarks, Set One – Available now

A set of four, 2 x 6 inch bookmarks, each depicting a different Palladium game line: Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy®, Heroes Unlimited™ and Dead Reign™. They are attractive, useful and make a fun collectible.

Cat. No. 2554. $5.00 retail. Based on what similar bookmarks sell for, we figure the set of four should have an $8.00 value, but Palladium’s price is only $5.00.

Ship Date: Available now.

Note: Yes, you can “ask” for this item in your Christmas Surprise Package, but if you get one it counts as an $8 value.

The Rifter® #56 – Available now

The Rifter® is your doorway to unlimited imagination and numerous Palladium role-playing worlds. It offers new heroes, powers, weapons, magic and adventure for your games. It presents new villains, monsters and dangers to battle, and new ideas to consider.

The Rifter® #56: The articles are expansive and fun.

Rifts® in space. The orbital communities and a new threat, by O.J. Pinckert.

Beyond the Supernatural™: Tainted Martyr P.C.C. by Steven Dawes.

Nightbane®: Dark Day™ Chronicles Four – short story by Jeremy M. Hutchins.

For all game settings – Time Travel rules by Greg Spivey and Jason Smith.

NEW! Robotech® New Generation™ Sourcebook

– Ships November, 2011

The battle for the liberation of Earth starts here. For the first time in its history, the Earth has been invaded and occupied by alien invaders – the Invid. The Invid think they have won, but Freedom Fighters, UEEF soldiers and other heroes continue to fight. This is the first sourcebook to combine ALL generations of Robotech® into one epic setting.

A setting in which Battloids, Veritechs, power armor and technology from all eras of Robotech® come together.

Kit-bashed mecha and rules for jury-rigging and combining parts from different generations of Robotech® mecha.

NEW! Robotech® Genesis Pits Sourcebook

The Genesis Pits Sourcebook takes a deep look at one of the most awesome and terrifying powers wielded by the Invid: the ability to alter genetic structures and evolve their own species as well as other beings. To that end, the Invid have built massive evolutionary laboratories across the Earth and numerous worlds in an effort to find the perfect form to dominate the universe forever. The sourcebook includes a wide range of mutations, different types of Genesis Pits, new Robotech O.C.C.s and new "Frankenmechs" – hybrid mecha made from the leftovers of Earth's fallen defenders.

The Genesis Pits Sourcebook goes beyond the cartoon and deep into the machinations of the Invid and their deadly consequences for all who happen into their path.

New genetic mutations usable by most characters.

Several never-before-seen Genesis Pits, like the Everglades Hell Gardens.

NEW! Rifts® World Book: Lemuria™

The power, secrets and magic of the underwater realm of Lemuria revealed. Player characters can use symbiotes, magic and technology to breathe underwater and spend time below the waves.

Lemuria is more than an underwater civilization of aquatic beings. They can trace their lineage as far back as the Atlanteans and can survive on dry land as well as underwater. In fact, their greatest secret is that there is no one resting place for the Lemurians, their great cities are always moving. Learn about the people of Lemuria, new Biomancy magic and weapons, Biomancy engineered riding animals, sea herbs, new powers of healing, sea monsters, and more. Epic adventure awaits.

The Lemurians, their race, history and society.

New O.C.C.s including the Serpent Hunter, Shriekers, Oceanic Guardsman, Aquatic Biomancer and others.

The Stone Guardians of Easter Island and other mysteries.

Biomancer Gardens and Aquatic Biomancy.

Biomancy armor, weapons and equipment.

Symbiotic creatures and constructs; some that enable air-breathers to survive underwater indefinitely.

New psionic abilities.

Sea Serpents, Sea Dragons, monsters, and riding animals.

New dangers, new challenges, adventure ideas and more.

Written by Greg Diaczyk.

Cover by John Zeleznik.

160 pages – $20.95 retail – Cat. No. 885. Final page count and price may be subject to expansion and increase. November release.

NEW! Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook™

Unknown to most humans, deep within Mexico the vampires have established entire kingdoms. There they live like tyrants and gods, dominating an underclass of cattle people used as slaves and foodstock. Learn more about the vampires, their rivals, allies and the humans who willingly serve their supernatural masters for a chance to join the undead. A must-have guide for those who wish to travel deeper into the Vampire Kingdoms or play as vampires and their human minions.

More human kingdoms within Mexico like the Tampico Military Protectorate and Durango, the Silver City.

Firefighting robots, hover firetrucks and more anti-vampire gear.

Magic based Vampire Hunters and human strongholds.

Techno-Wizard anti-vampire weapons and magical devices.

Profiles for Doc Reid and Reid’s Rangers, the world’s most famous Vampire Hunters.

Fort Reid, an entire city devoted to hunting the undead.

The Bloodwatch, a secret vampire intelligence agency that tracks down and exterminates Vampire Hunters.

The Yucatan Peninsula, a mysterious dimensional pocket overrun by strange demons known as Xibalbans.

The return of the Mayan god Camazotz, Lord of Bats and Darkness.

The werebeasts of Mexico and Central America; those who assist the vampires and those who fight against them.

NEW! Dead Reign™ Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead™

As time goes on, the zombie hordes only grow in size and strangeness. This book contains horrifying new zombies to haunt your player characters along with new O.C.C.s and tons of tables for detailing Survivors’ Hideouts, Safe Haven Communities, Death Cults and more. Survival is not enough. Now is the time for the war against the Endless Dead™. This book is going to be epic. Kevin and all the Palladium creators are pushing the envelope with each and every book they work on.

New types of zombies like the Fused Zombie, Multi-Zombie, Parasite Juggernaut and Walking Mass Grave.

New O.C.C.s including the Survivalist, Watcher, Wheelman, Zombie Hunter and Zombie Researcher.

More information on vehicles and tables for adding custom armor, weapons and anti-zombie defenses.

Timetable for setting campaigns during the Wave, the beginning of the Zombie Apocalypse or months into the reign of the dead.

Stats for some of North America’s dangerous wildlife, a threat to survivors and zombies alike.

Written by Kevin Siembieda and Matthew Clements.

Cover by E.M. Gist. Interior art by Mumah, Bradshaw and others.

64-96 pages (final page count yet to be determined) – $12.95 or $16.95 retail depending on final size of the book – Cat. No. 233. November release.

Dead Reign™ RPG – Available Now

With zombies and horror all the rage in film and books, this RPG captures all the best aspects of the zombie genre. The setting is as much about survival in a post-apocalyptic world as it is about battling legions of walking dead. If tales of human survival, horror and zombies are of interest, you will love this fast paced game and its sourcebooks.

Six Apocalyptic Character Classes (O.C.C.s), and Ordinary People with 40+ occupations to choose from.

Seven types of zombies plus the Half-Living.

Secrets of the Dead and tips on fighting zombies.

Point-blank zombie combat rules, vehicles and equipment.

Death Cults, their Priests, power over zombies and goals.

101 Random Scenarios, Encounters and Settings.

100 Random Corpse Searches and other tables.

Quick Roll Character Creation tables.

A powerful setting and many adventure ideas.

Complete stand-alone RPG with skills, weapons, game rules and guidelines for using other Palladium settings.

Note: There are two sourcebooks also available now: Civilization Gone™ (Cat. No. 231) and Dark Places™ (Cat. No. 232), each is 64 pages and retails for $12.95.

NEW! Rifts® Path of the Storm

– One writer’s vision for the Rifts® Movie

This is a unique, fun product that presents an entire screenplay written on speculation by Matthew Clements. That’s how Kevin met Matthew, he showed up at the Palladium office with a Rifts® screenplay in hand and said, “Hi, I’m a screenwriter and I’ve written a Rifts® screenplay, would you like to read it?” Kevin read it, was impressed, and met with Matthew afterward several times to discuss changes and improvements. Matthew did a second draft and it was sent to Jerry Bruckheimer Films for their consideration. Meanwhile, Matthew and Kevin hit it off and the next thing he knew he became Palladium’s new staff writer.

Kevin and company thought it would be fun to let Rifts® players see the type of Rifts® movie we at Palladium Books would like to see made. So we are presenting Matthew’s screenplay as a proposed Rifts® movie script and Rifts® sourcebook. The screenplay is a fast, fun adventure story, and worth the read. To make it more fun, Matthew has statted out the key characters in the script and you can use the heroes, villains and story ideas in your own campaign should you want to do so.

This was all Kevin Siembieda’s idea. He thought fans might like to see one of the attempts to get the Rifts® movie made. “Matthew’s Rifts movie script, written entirely on spec,” said the Publisher, “is one of the best I have seen. That’s why I had him do a second draft and try to get JB Films to take a look at it.” This screenplay is not likely to ever be turned into a movie, but now that it has been published, it is part of Palladium canon and can be drawn upon as a resource if Hollywood should choose to do so.

In addition to Matthew’s Rifts® movie script and RPG character stats, there is some text by Kevin Siembieda about his adventures in Hollywood as well as some artwork. This is a unique product and a fun read that lets you step behind the veil at Palladium Books. A bit of insight on just one of the many projects that have gone on behind the scenes this year at Palladium.

NEW! Rifts® Megaverse® in Flames™

The Minion War spills across Rifts Earth, where demons and infernals hope to recruit allies and use the Rifts as gateways of destruction. Their influence shakes things up across the planet, especially at locations where demons and Deevils already have a strong presence. More details to follow, but for now, ‘nuff said.

Soulmancer and Blood Magic.

The Seven Deadly Plagues.

The Demon Plagues across the globe.

Battleground: Earth – as demons and infernals amass their legions.

Rifts Calgary – also known as Hell’s Pit; the kingdom described.

Ciudad de Diablo, Harpies’ Island and other notable Hell holes on Earth.

Lord Doom, Pain and other demonic leaders.

Horune treachery, Dimension Stormers and other villains.

Global chaos and the places most dramatically affected by the Demon Plagues.

PDF downloads from DriveThruRPG.com

This is a great resource for getting out of print Palladium titles and other select books. We’ve made 90 titles available as PDF digital downloads from DriveThruRPG.com. This is a great way to try Palladium products and get access to out of print RPG source material. Some notable titles include:

December 2011 Releases

If possible, Robotech® Genesis Pits™ Sourcebook, but this is feeling more like it will slide into a January release.

All of Palladium’s Core Game Lines to be Supported in 2012

All of the following (and more) are being written right now. A few are already finished. Most will be 2012 releases. And this does not include projects I would like to do for Palladium Fantasy®, Dead Reign™, Warpath™: Urban Jungle and new mediums.

New Books in Development (listed in alphabetical order):

Chaos Earth™ First RespondersChaos Earth™ – Zombie Apocalypse Rifts-style during the Great Cataclysm.

Heroes Unlimited™ – Had two people who were supposed to be working on a pair of books, but they disappeared on me, so we are looking for folks to write a couple of HU2 sourcebooks.

Nightbane® – An as of yet untitled project, and looking for more.

Palladium Fantasy® – Mysteries of Magic 2 & 3Palladium Fantasy® – Tombs of Gersidi expanded and new. Plus I have a few ideas on this front myself to revitalize this line, including writing Land of the Damned 3 for 2012 release.

Phase World®: United Worlds of Warlock™Phase World®: Pirates of the Three Galaxies™

Coalition Wars® One: Sedition

Coalition Wars® Two: Coalition Overkill

2011 Christmas Surprise Package

– Available now thru December 23, 2011

The Christmas Surprise Package is our way of saying thank you to our fans and to putting smiles on the faces of gamers around the world.

What is a Palladium Christmas Surprise Package? $80-$90 (or more!) worth of Palladium Books product for only $38 plus shipping and handling. A minimum of eighty dollars ($80) retail. Sometimes much more! Santa Kevin often packs in $90-$100 worth of goodies.

It’s a surprise package because you never know exactly what you’re going to get or who will sign your books. We try to include many of the items on your “wish list,” but we’ll surprise you with stuff you are not expecting. All Surprise Packages are “handpicked” by Kevin Siembieda from YOUR “wish list.” All books will be autographedif you want us to sign them. For many of you, this is the only way to get autographs!

We are taking orders right now and start shipping them out on Tuesday, October 11. Buy one or ten, but get at least one. Buy them as gifts or to try a new game line, or fill holes your collection. Just don’t miss out. The Surprise Packages start shipping on October 11 till December 23, 2011.

Spread the word. Tell all your gaming pals, because the Christmas Surprise Package is only publicized by word of mouth, to readers of The Rifter® and on Palladium's website, so tell everyone you know. Buy one for every gamer you know and have a very Merry Christmas.

Palladium Open House

– May 4, 5 & 6, 2012 (May 3 is VIP Night)

The Palladium Open House (POH) is, plain and simply, a blast for everyone.

Think family reunion with people you like from around the world that involves laughs, fun and three days of role-playing games. (Four for those who attend VIP Thursday.) We invite you into our home – the Palladium warehouse and office – where we make the games you love and treat you like family and welcomed guests.

● 40+ Palladium creators are there for you. The Palladium staff and as many of the freelance writers, artists, Game Masters and Megaversal Ambassadors as possible (typically 30-45) are present the entire event. Many run games you can play in. All are there to sign autographs and talk with you.

Unlike game conventions, at the Palladium Open House you have unprecedented access to Kevin Siembieda and other Palladium creators, because they are there, on the floor with you all day long. They are happy to talk about Palladium Books, artwork, writing, movies, comic books and exchange stories about their own gaming experiences as well as listen to yours. Some artists are willing to do sketches of your characters, others bring prints and original artwork to sell. All are friendly and goofy gamers just like you. It seems like we laugh and have fun all weekend long, stopping only to catch a little sleep.

● Gaming events are run all day and into the night. Many are run by the very people who create the games, like Kevin Siembieda, Julius Rosenstein, Carmen Bellaire, Carl Gleba, Brandon Aten, Mark Oberle, Irvin Jackson and many others. There is also an open gaming area for pick up games. When gaming ends for the day at Palladium, there are two meeting rooms at the hotel where you can continue to play games, chat and have fun into the wee hours of the night.

● Panel talks (every day). I and others host several panel talks and question and answer sessions that reveal secrets, offer G.M. tips, player tips and lots of laughs.

● Costume contest (Saturday). YOU should make a costume based on one of Palladium’s RPG settings and enter the costume contest. It is always a ton of fun and winners who take 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place all get Palladium gift certificates and a plaque worthy of hanging on the wall. Best of show gets a $100 gift certificate (actually, it’s Palladium Bucks redeemable wherever you find Palladium, at the POH, conventions, or via mail order). Costume contest categories are: Rifts/Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror/Modern/Superhero, and Best of Show.

● Meet fans from around the world. This year we already have gamers coming from Japan, Australia, Germany, England, Canada and across the country. Note: Our capacity is limited to about 350 people, so if there is a bigger than usual turnout, you may not be able to attend. Order your admissions tickets and reserve your hotel room now. The hotel will not be charged to your credit card till the day before the event.

● The POH is inexpensive compared to most game and comic conventions. You get more bang for your buck, total access to Palladium creators and enjoy everything for the price of admission.

The cost of admission covers everything. The games, the panel talks, the auction, entry in the costume contest . . . EVERYTHING.

The hotel is only $69.95 a night for a room with two double beds or one king-size bed. Suites are under $140. Free hot breakfasts. Note: you MUST tell them you want a room in the Block Reserved for Palladium Books to get the special rate. Your credit card is not charged until a day before the event, so reserve early. Call 734-455-8100, Comfort Inn Plymouth Clock Tower Hotel.

Food and stores all around. There are fast food places and inexpensive restaurants to eat all around Palladium Books. A Bennigans is across from the hotel. Denny’s, Dunkin Donuts and McDonald’s are down the street one direction, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Lee’s Chicken, Baskin & Robbins, and more are down the other way. Westland Mall is a half mile away, so is Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Kohls, Macy’s, Sears, JC Penny, Lowes, Meijer, Sam’s Club, Ikea and Dollar Tree, among many others. A large movie theater is around the block, almost walking distance, and another is near Westland Mall. We’ve got it all. ;)

Price of Admission

Palladium Open House – May 4, 5 & 6, 2012

$40 for the Three Day Weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) when ordered in advance per each individual. $50 at the door and after March 31, 2012, if space is available. Cost of emission covers all events. Note: VIP Night, May 3, 2012, is an additional cost. A new batch of tickets will be made available in February, 2012.

$20 for Friday 9:00 AM till Closing.$20 for Saturday 9:00 AM till Closing.$10 for Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.$75 per person for VIP Night – Thursday – May 3, 2012. VIP night is a catered event limited to around 70-80 gamers plus Palladium creators. It is an additional cost, so if you plan to attend the entire weekend you must get a weekend ticket as well. NOTE: Since VIP tickets sell out so fast, we offer them in two batches. The first is sold out. The second offering will be in February 2012. VIP Thursday, May 3, 2012: 3:00 P.M. till 11:00 P.M.

Placing Your Order: Please include your FULL address and apartment number. Also include the complete NAME of EACH person you are ordering a ticket for, as well as your telephone number in case there is a problem and we need to contact you.

Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard and most credit cards are accepted. All Credit Card orders must include: Credit Card No. – Name on the card – Address of the Credit Cardholder – Expiration Date – Telephone Number of the cardholder. If you are buying tickets for several people, please make sure we have the full NAME of each person.

By Telephone: Call (734) 721-2903 – have your credit card information ready. You may place your reservation online in a similar way as placing a book order or you may use Palladium’s order line (734) 721-2903.

Check or Money Order by Mail: Sent via the USPS or other delivery service. Send check or money order to:

Palladium BooksDept. POH39074 Webb CourtWestland, MI 48185-7606

Please include your FULL address and apartment number. Also include the complete NAME of EACH person you are ordering a ticket for, as well as your telephone number in case there is a problem and we need to contact you.

All tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, so get your reservations in as soon as possible! Due to space and parking limitations and safety concerns, attendance will be limited to approximately 350 admission tickets.

The Queen of Ghouls: Life-Sized Halloween Props

The Queen of Ghouls – Palladium’s very own Kathy Simmons – is locked in her dungeon, devising new ghouls for the coming Halloween season. Go to queenofghouls.com to see her current selection of life-sized Halloween props. See her zombie doctor and other new zombies, Jack Skellington and Sally, and more. New creations are on the drawing board, and so is a new website. Each Halloween prop is truly life-sized (most are 6 feet or taller – Jack is almost 8 feet) and seems almost alive.

Each is an all-weather, life-sized Halloween prop that can handle rain and snow, and is a one-of-a-kind work of art (no two are exactly the same). Each looks frighteningly “real.” All come apart and fold down to slightly larger than a king-size pillow for easy storage. Comes with easy instructions, a plastic storage bag, and the lawn stake to stand it up in your front yard. Indoor stand sold separately.

Types of “Ghouls” include: Zombies (all kinds!), killer clowns, wizards, witches, devils, grave ghouls, scarecrows, executioners, mad doctors, deadly nurses, vampires, werewolves, and more. Kathy’s also now offering an array of hand-painted Halloween signs, signs with heads and bodies hanging from them, witch’s brewing pots, Halloween centerpieces and more. Best of all, her high quality creations are much more affordable and imaginative than most competitors or mass produced items in a store, making them affordable Halloween fun.

If you think the photos online look good, you should see them in person. A typical “ghoul,” as she calls her creations, costs $129-$259. You can see some of her work at her Queen of Ghouls™ Ebay store – queenofghouls.com.

Conventions & Events

2012 Gen Con Indy

Palladium Books has already reserved its booth at Gen Con Indy 2012.

We need Game Masters!

We want to have a bigger presence at Gen Con Indy 2012 and that means more Palladium gaming events. We want Palladium Books to be a much bigger part of the gaming experience at Gen Con Indy 2012. Toward that end, we’re hoping a number of Game Masters will step forward and run “official” gaming events at Gen Con. To do that we need your help.

Please let us know if you are planning to run at Gen Con Indy 2012, but most importantly, YOU NEED to contact Gen Con directly and fill out the Event Submission form/application and send it in to them BEFORE THE JANUARY DEADLINE. This can all be done online.

Note: Though there are different “rounds” and deadlines for submitting events, it is our experience that submitting in time for the very first deadline is the only way to sure-fire guarantee the event will be included. So please, let’s plan now and get our events entered in the first round, mid-January 2012. Megaversal Ambassadors, please be a vocal and visible part of getting people to run Palladium gaming events for Gen Con Indy 2012. Any and all game settings (Rifts®, Heroes Unlimited, Palladium Fantasy®, Robotech®, Dead Reign™, Nightbane®, Splicers®, BTS, and all the rest) are welcomed. Let’s make the halls of Gen Con Indy 2012 ring with Palladium gaming.